Coffee, a beverage crafted from roasted and ground coffee beans, stands among the world's top three beverages alongside cocoa and tea.

Derived from the perennial evergreen shrub or small tree of the Rubiaceae family, coffee is prepared using a variety of brewing utensils, extracting flavors from the seeds within the coffee fruit.

A well-brewed cup of standard coffee should not be bitter; a skilled barista meticulously conducts each step, resulting in a brew with varying levels of sweetness, acidity, richness, or cleanliness.

In December 2023, coffee was included among the "Top Ten Nutrition Buzzwords of 2023."

Coffee production methods are generally categorized into two main types: espresso and brewed coffee. Espresso, often referred to as Italian coffee, focuses on extracting the maximum flavor from fewer water volumes, requiring deep-roasted and finely ground coffee beans. Espresso-making involves high pressure, ensuring full extraction of the coffee bean's flavors.

While espresso machines in cafes are large and essential for high-quality espresso, manual methods (such as full immersion) can also produce espresso.

Espresso encompasses a broad spectrum; its extensive application is not only due to its rich taste and suitability as a base for other coffee drinks but also because of its deep roasting. Deep roasting offers two advantages: minimal variation in coffee bean flavor, resulting in consistently flavored coffee (low failure rates), and optimal suitability for preservation and transportation.

Therefore, coffee chain stores universally prioritize espresso due to quality control and ingredient preservation.

On the other hand, brewed coffee allows ground coffee and water to soak for a certain duration, allowing the coffee bean's flavors to dissolve fully. This process of dissolution and absorption is termed extraction. While categorization between espresso and brewed coffee might seem confusing—doesn't espresso-making also involve extraction?

In essence, espresso aims to extract a large amount of coffee flavor from the bean, while extraction endeavors to bring out flavors beyond the coffee taste. Consequently, the taste profiles of the two brewing methods are notably distinct.

Coffee, a daily beverage for many, whether a robust morning brew or a velvety latte in the afternoon, brings comfort and pleasure. For numerous individuals, daily coffee consumption is an integral part of life. But what are the benefits and potential drawbacks of daily coffee consumption?

Let's first examine the advantages of drinking coffee, backed by research:

1. Enhances alertness: Caffeine, the primary component in coffee, stimulates the central nervous system, improving alertness and attentiveness, and aiding those dealing with extensive information processing and complex tasks.

2. Boosts metabolism: Caffeine accelerates food digestion, increasing metabolism and calorie expenditure, potentially aiding weight loss alongside dietary control.

3. Alleviates headaches: Caffeine, known to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, has been shown to relieve headaches caused by inadequate blood flow and constricted vessels.

However, daily coffee consumption also has its downsides, as follows:

1. Induces insomnia: Caffeine suppresses melatonin secretion by the pineal gland, disrupting the body's circadian rhythm, and leading to insomnia, particularly for those consuming coffee in the evening or late at night.

2. Alters skin condition: Drinking coffee might accelerate skin aging, contributing to wrinkles and related issues.

3. Raises heart rate and blood pressure: Caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure, cautioning against excessive consumption to avoid severe health risks.

4. Potential for anxiety and depression: While caffeine can stimulate dopamine production, excessive intake may lead to emotional fluctuations, even triggering anxiety or depression.

Coffee stands as a beloved global beverage, celebrated for its diverse flavors and ritualistic consumption. While offering numerous benefits like heightened alertness and metabolism, it's essential to savor this beverage in moderation, considering its potential drawbacks. As an indispensable part of daily life for many, understanding both the perks and precautions of regular coffee consumption ensures a balanced and enjoyable relationship with this cherished drink.